5) back (up) and all seasons icons need to be different from other non-thumbs icons

Regarding #2, there is a wide icon view mode but it isn't available by default. At the top where you choose the view mode (list, wallpaper, etc,) if you go to the right a bunch, there is an option (can't remember the name...not at home right now) where you can choose which view modes are available. You need to check widecase (i think that's what it's called...)